Legendary West Indian batsman Brian Lara and Indian superstar Sachin Tendulkar smashed numerous records while they were active.
Legendary West Indian Brian Lara and Indian great Sachin Tendulkar smashed numerous records when they were playing, many of which still remain today. Together, they are two of the greatest batters of all time. Tendulkar is the all-time greatest run scorer in Tests (15,921) and ODIs (18,426), whereas Lara is the record holder for the highest batting score in First Class Cricket (501) and Tests (400). Lara has always thought highly of Tendulkar, and vice versa, but the former West Indies player has identified a guy who he believes was much more naturally endowed than both the ‘Master Blaster’ and him.
Lara claimed that his former teammate Carl Hooper was the best player he had ever seen in terms of sheer skill.
“One of the best players I’ve ever seen is Carl, without a doubt. Even Tendulkar and I could not match that talent, in my opinion. If Carl’s career is divided between playing and captaining, his figures will alter significantly. He averaged close to fifty as a captain, so he relished the responsibility. It’s unfortunate that he was able to reach his full potential only as a captain,” Lara said in his most recent book, which ESPNcricinfo cited.
Lara went on to say that although he didn’t want any player to be better than him, renowned West Indies hitter Vivian Richard preferred Hooper.
But hear me out: Viv Richards never berated someone because he didn’t want them to be as brilliant as he was. He was always going to be strict, yet he never wanted you to fail. He was just that way. And Viv really did adore Carl. Definitely far more than he loved me. Carl, though, was not moved by Viv’s display of affection.
Lara recently selected two players from India and England, respectively, who potentially surpass his Test innings record of 400 runs.
“Several players throughout my era, including Virender Sehwag, Chris Gayle, Inzamam-ul-Haq, and Sanath Jayasuriya, challenged or at least exceeded the 300 milestone. They were rather confrontational players, Lara said to The Daily Mail.
“How many guys that are aggressive are you playing with today? particularly in the England squad. Harry Brook and Zak Crawley. In the Indian squad, perhaps? Jaiswal Yashasvi and Gill Shubman. Both of their records could be beaten if they find the appropriate circumstances,” he continued.
